Life in a remote Romanian village has been incredibly challenging for 13-year-old Andreea and her three sisters. They live with their mother, Stefana, and her partner in a small, weathered two-room house without running water or a bathroom. Their living conditions are harsh—they borrow electricity, and their days are spent fetching water from a street pump and helping around the house. Life is a constant struggle, with little to no hope for change.
Andreea and her 16-year-old sister, Denisa, have spent the last few years caring for their younger siblings, five-year-old Viviana and three-year-old Iolanda. With a new baby on the way, the burden is set to increase. Denisa dropped out of school after fourth grade to help at home, and Andreea has also stopped going. “We just sit around and talk to each other, help our mother with the cleaning and washing, babysit the little ones when needed, and not much else,” Andreea shared.
Despite their circumstances, there is hope. Through Mission Without Borders’ child sponsorship program, Andreea and her sisters have started receiving regular support, including food, hygiene items, clothing, school supplies, and firewood. Their family’s situation remains difficult, but Andrei, a dedicated staff member, has been working tirelessly to support them. He’s encouraging Denisa to return to school and is helping Andreea find her way back to education.
Christmas has often been a time of hunger and hardship for Andreea’s family. “We just want to have a celebration like everyone else,” Stefana said. “We might set up a Christmas tree if we can find one for an affordable price, and we plan to use the food you provided to prepare a few delicious meals.”
But this year, things are different.